Anthony Bourdain? Sure. Nigella Lawson? Of course we know that face. But it’s always tough to keep contestants’ names and faces straight on a new reality TV show, and the inaugural season of ABC’s “The Taste” is no different.

Lauren Scott, this Mississippi home cook is the youngest contestant. Her dish: Flourless chocolate cake with pistachio brittle.

Erika Monroe-Williams, former news anchor who hosts cooking segments on TV. She may live in Paradise Valley, Arizona now, but she has Bay Area ties. She’s married to former San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Williams. Her dish: Lime-and-coriander crusted tuna.

Huda Mu’min, the chef and owner behind Washington D.C. catering company Pretty and Delicious. Her dish: Garlic shrimp and grits.

Team Ludo

Gregg Drusinsky, New York culinary instructor and former saucier at the legendary Le Bernardin. His dish: Singapore-style lobster with coconut milk and curry paste had Ludo and Malarkey fighting over him.

Jeff Mahin, partner at the Lettuce Entertain You restaurant group and chef-owner of Los Angeles’ Stella Rossa Pizza Bar, with a resume that includes stints at England’s The Fat Duck and New York’s Nobu. His dish: Red miso snapper with avocado puree.

Adam Pechal, chef and owner of Tuli Bistro and Restaurant Thir13en. His dish: Seared scallops with a sweet corn hash.

Jackie Burrell is the editor and senior writer for the Mercury News and East Bay Times' Eat Drink Play section, which explores the West Coast's food, wine, cocktail and travel scene each week. An award-winning writer, Burrell joined the Bay Area News Group staff in 2000.